In response to recent criticism, Chiefs trainer Rick Burkholder defended his team’s handling of an eye injury sustained by Ravens linebacker Kyle Van Noy during last week’s NFL game. Burkholder clarified on Friday that he had engaged in discussions with the Baltimore medical staff and exchanged messages with Ravens head coach John Harbaugh to address and resolve concerns about the incident.
Van Noy suffered an eye injury in the third quarter of the game, which the Chiefs won 27-20. Following the injury, Van Noy expressed frustration over the delay in receiving medical attention from the Chiefs’ staff. He later voiced his dissatisfaction on his podcast, noting the extended time it took for an ophthalmologist to attend to him in the locker room.
Burkholder acknowledged the situation, stating, “We respect the Ravens and their medical staff. I respect Kyle as a player, and I’m upset that he was displeased with the response.” He further explained that when Van Noy was injured, he initially suspected a head or neck injury and inquired if an ophthalmologist was needed. The Ravens’ medical team declined the offer at that moment.
It was later determined by the Ravens’ medical staff that an ophthalmologist was necessary, prompting them to request that the Chiefs summon a specialist. The process took 12 minutes for the ophthalmologist to arrive at the locker room. It is worth noting that the NFL does not mandate the availability of an ophthalmologist or dentist, though the Chiefs provide both as a courtesy to visiting teams.
“I’m sorry he was upset,” Burkholder added. “I believe we have resolved the matter with the Ravens.”
The NFL issued a statement on Thursday evening, confirming that the league had reviewed the situation with both teams and found that Van Noy received appropriate care from the Chiefs’ medical staff.
NFL Players Association Executive Director Lloyd Howell, who visited the Ravens on Thursday, emphasized that medical treatment should be administered as swiftly as possible, in accordance with the collective bargaining agreement. Howell described the situation as unfortunate and stressed the importance of prompt medical care, highlighting that Van Noy’s injury could have been more serious.
The NFL responded to Howell’s comments, expressing disappointment that the NFLPA would make public statements without fully understanding the facts of the case.
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